Fatal Wyoming Plane Crash: Pilot’s Emergency Call and Autopilot Failure Precede Tragedy Killing 7, Including Gospel Group Members
Staff Editor Pilot Reported Emergency Before Fatal Wyoming Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report on the July 26 plane crash in northeast Wyoming that claimed the lives of seven people, including three members of the acclaimed gospel group The Nelons.
According to the NTSB, the pilot declared an emergency and reported a loss of autopilot shortly before the aircraft went down approximately 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming. The plane had departed from an airport in Nebraska and was en route to Billings, Montana.
During the final moments of the flight, the pilot communicated with the Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center, stating he was “trying to get control of the airplane.” Radar and radio contact were subsequently lost, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to issue an alert notice.
Witnesses near the crash site reported hearing a “loud whining noise” before impact, with one observer describing the plane performing a “barrel roll” maneuver as the engine was “roaring loud.”
The crash claimed the lives of Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, all members of The Nelons. Also on board were Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie. Larry Haynie was identified as the pilot by Gaither Management Group.
The Nelons, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, were en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. The group had achieved significant success in the gospel music industry, winning 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple song of the year and album of the year accolades.
As investigations continue, a final report examining potential causes of the crash is expected to be released at a later date. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the gospel music community and beyond, leaving fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of these beloved performers.
